On September 19, the State Council Information Office held a press conference on the “High-Quality Completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan” series, introducing how high-level ecological and environmental protection has promoted high-quality development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. It was stated that during this period, the Central Committee made a series of major deployments to advance the transition from focusing on winning the battle against pollution to comprehensively promoting the construction of a Beautiful China.

New Achievements in the Battle Against Pollution

Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, significant progress has been made in building a Beautiful China. The quality of the national ecological environment has continuously improved. In 2024, the average concentration of PM2.5 in cities at the prefecture level and above fell to 29.3 micrograms per cubic meter, a decrease of 16.3% compared to 2020. The proportion of days with good air quality reached 87.2%, an increase of 2.4 percentage points from 2020. The proportion of surface water sections with good quality exceeded 90% for the first time. Public satisfaction with the ecological environment has remained above 90% for four consecutive years.

New results have been achieved in the battle against pollution. In the Blue Sky defense battle, PM2.5 concentrations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding areas, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Fenwei Plain decreased by 18%, 10%, and 20% respectively in 2024 compared to 2020. In the Clear Water defense battle, comprehensive efforts to investigate, monitor, trace, and treat pollution outlets were carried out, identifying over 360,000 river discharge outlets and over 63,000 sea discharge outlets. Over 3,000 black and odorous water bodies in cities at the prefecture level and above have been basically eliminated. In the Pure Land defense battle, actions were taken to control pollution at the source. The tracing of heavy metal pollution in farmland soil in 132 key counties has been basically completed, and a number of prominent ecological and environmental issues related to solid waste and new pollutants have been effectively resolved.

New Steps in Green and Low-Carbon Development

Efforts have focused on promoting the synergistic effect of reducing pollution and carbon emissions. Ultra-low emission transformations have been completed for the entire process or key projects of 1.12 billion kilowatts of coal-fired power units and 950 million tons of crude steel capacity. The world’s largest carbon emission trading market has been established and is operating stably, covering over 60% of the country’s carbon emissions, significantly enhancing the endogenous motivation and innovation vitality for green development.

New Progress in Ecological Protection, Restoration, and Supervision

The area of land-based ecological protection redlines accounts for over 30% of the total territory. A number of major biodiversity conservation projects have been implemented, effectively protecting 90% of terrestrial ecosystem types and 74% of key national wild animal and plant populations.

New Improvements in Ecological and Environmental Governance Efficiency

Eight rounds of central ecological and environmental protection inspections have been organized, further consolidating the political responsibility for building a Beautiful China. A comprehensive, area-wide ecological and environmental zoning control system has been basically established. Over 3.86 million fixed pollution sources have been incorporated into a “one permit” management system for pollutant discharge. The world’s largest and most comprehensive national ecological environment quality monitoring network has been established.

New Responsibilities in Global Environmental Governance

Commitments to peak carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality have been made and are being implemented. The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity was successfully hosted, leading to the adoption of the “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.” The operation of the “Kunming Fund” was launched, effectively boosting global confidence in biodiversity conservation. South-South cooperation and the green development of the Belt and Road Initiative have been deepened, contributing China’s share to building a clean and beautiful world.

Promoting the Development of New Quality Productive Forces through High-Level Protection

Currently, China’s economic and social development has entered a stage of high-quality development characterized by accelerated greening and low-carbon transformation. A set of effective policy systems has been built around promoting the development of new quality productive forces through high-level protection, actively cultivating and expanding green productive forces, and continuously shaping new dynamics and advantages for development.

Strengthening access management to promote industrial structure optimization and adjustment. The zoning control system has been fully implemented. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the number of environmental impact assessment approvals for high-emission and high-pollution projects continued to decline, while the number for projects such as wind power and new energy

Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is a major national capital and economic hub in northern China. Historically, Beijing served as the imperial capital for centuries, while Tianjin grew as a strategic port city. The region is now a key focus of China’s national strategy for integrated and coordinated development.

Yangtze River Delta

The Yangtze River Delta is a highly developed, triangular-shaped region in eastern China, encompassing Shanghai, southern Jiangsu, and northern Zhejiang. Historically a fertile agricultural land and a cradle of Jiangnan culture, it has been a vital economic hub for centuries due to its extensive network of canals and rivers. In the modern era, it has become one of the world’s most important economic zones and a primary driver of China’s economic growth.

Fenwei Plain

The Fenwei Plain is a fertile basin in central China, historically forming the cradle of early Chinese civilization along the Yellow River. It served as the heartland for several ancient dynasties, including the Zhou and Qin, due to its strategic location and agricultural productivity. Today, it remains a vital economic and cultural region in Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces.

Beautiful China

“Beautiful China” is not a specific place or cultural site, but a national initiative and slogan launched by the Chinese government. The campaign aims to promote ecological civilization and sustainable development by improving environmental protection and building a more beautiful country. It reflects a modern policy focus on balancing economic growth with the preservation of China’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is a landmark United Nations agreement adopted in 2022, which sets out an ambitious plan to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2050. Its history stems from the urgent need to replace the expired Aichi Biodiversity Targets, culminating in its finalization at the COP15 conference in Montreal. The framework’s core mission is to guide global action to protect nature and ensure that by 2030, 30% of the planet’s lands and waters are conserved.

Kunming Fund

I am unable to find information on a specific cultural or historical site called the “Kunming Fund.” It is possible this refers to a modern financial institution or investment fund based in the city of Kunming, China, rather than a traditional cultural site. For a historical summary, you may be looking for a different name, such as a famous landmark in Kunming like the Stone Forest or the Golden Temple.

Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a vast global infrastructure development strategy launched by China in 2013. It aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration by building networks of roads, railways, ports, and other projects along ancient Silk Road trade routes. The initiative represents a modern revival of these historic pathways, seeking to foster trade and cooperation across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

14th Five-Year Plan

The 14th Five-Year Plan is not a physical place or cultural site, but rather a strategic blueprint for China’s national development from 2021 to 2025. It outlines key economic and social goals, focusing on high-quality growth, technological self-reliance, and green development. Historically, it continues China’s long-standing practice of using five-year plans, a system adapted from the Soviet Union, to guide its modernization efforts.